She was born on Feb. 16, 1922, the only daughter of Myron (Bob) & Mabel Hoyt. She spent her lifetime in the McDonough County area.

Margaret married James E Foster on July 5, 1942. Margaret and Jim had two children, Mitzae Ann (Foster) Mullens of Mt. Sterling/Colchester and Thomas Michael Foster (Carolyn) of Colchester/Princeton, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandson Shawn Robert Mullens.

Margaret was very musically talented, playing the piano, guitar and accordion. She was an accomplished singer and shared her talent to the delight of all who heard her Metzo Soprano voice.

She attended Humes School and graduated from Tennessee School, Colchester High School and Gem City Business College.

She was a member of the Colchester United Methodist Church, where she was choir director for 26 years, as well as a member of Colchester United Methodist Women and the Colchester Area Business Association and a 75-year member of the Macomb Chapter #123 Order of Eastern Star.

She was Woman of the Year of the Colchester Business and Professional Woman Organization and received the key to the city of Colchester.

She was owner and operator of Foster Realty and Foster Jewelry Store in Colchester.

Margaret was an insurance and real estate broker. Jim and Margaret operated Foster Jewelry, where they made many friends over their 50-plus years in operation. They were a trusted source for watch repairs and jewelry. They collected the lights and water for the city and they were the towns lifeline to the electricity and water supply.

Margaret had a great love for the Spoon River Drive and each year organized a tour under the banner Elite Tours. The group was open to her friends and anyone one who loved the Spoon. She composed many songs that are still sung to this day with fond memories of her love for her native home and its beauty.

A smile could always be found on her face and the joy of living in a small town was the foundation for her life.

Funeral services celebrating the life of Margaret Foster will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at the Colchester United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Smith officiating. Burial will follow the services at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Macomb. Visitation with the family will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12, at the Jones Mortuary. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 8 a.m. on Wednesday until time of services. Memorials will be for the Colchester Public Library, McDonough District Hospital Hospice and Colchester Rescue Squad.

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